Therapy is a journey, not a quick fix!

Author: Sadhana Singh, Counselling Psychologist  

Edited: Team EmptyCare  

Updated: 2nd March 2023 

Do you sometimes feel like it's been 4 sessions and you are not feeling better or getting better and you start doubting your and your therapist’s ability? Well, therapy is not a quick fix, but a journey towards self-discovery and healing. It is a process that takes time, effort, and patience. While it may be tempting to believe that therapy can provide immediate relief from our emotional pain and struggles, the truth is that therapy is a long-term investment in our mental health and wellbeing.

Why is therapy not a quick fix?  

• Humans are complex beings: Our thoughts, beliefs, emotions, and behaviours are all interconnected, and it takes time to unravel the knots and understand the root causes of our problems.  

At the beginning of therapy, you may think you're only addressing one specific issue. But as the process unfolds, you realize that there are many factors involved. Humans are like an onion with many layers, and each therapy session or insight reveals and removes one layer after another. 

• Therapy is not a one-size-fits-all approach: It involves different therapeutic techniques and modalities that are tailored to the unique needs and preferences of everyone. Therapy involves collaboration between a therapist and their client to identify goals, develop strategies, and navigate challenges together. 
• The journey of therapy can be challenging at times: It requires us to confront our fears, vulnerabilities, and painful experiences. However, it is through these challenges that we grow, learn, and transform. 

 When can therapy become a quick fix? IT CAN’T. 

• It can turn into unhealthy coping skills: Quick fixes are often focused on symptom relief rather than addressing the underlying issues. They may provide temporary relief, but they do not address the root causes of our problems. For example, using drugs or alcohol to numb our emotional pain may provide temporary relief, but it can lead to addiction and other negative consequences. 

Quick fixes also do not allow us to develop the skills and resources we need to cope with future challenges. They may provide a short-term solution to our problems, but they do not equip us with the tools we need to manage our emotions, thoughts, and behaviors in a healthy and sustainable way.  

"Therapy is a journey, not a destination. It's about progress, not perfection."  

- Carl Rogers 

How does therapy help? 

• Therapy provides us with the support and guidance we need to develop these skills and resources. It helps us to identify our strengths and build on them, while also addressing our weaknesses and areas of growth. 
• Therapy recognizes and respects this complexity by providing a safe and non-judgmental space for individuals to explore their thoughts and feelings. 
• Therapists are trained professionals who have expertise in understanding the complexity of the human mind and behaviors. They are equipped with the skills and knowledge to help individuals navigate their emotional experiences, develop coping skills, and achieve their goals. 
• However, therapists are not miracle workers. They cannot provide a quick fix or cure for our problems. They are there to support us, guide us, and empower us to make positive changes in our lives. Ultimately, it is up to us to do the work and take responsibility for our own healing and growth. 

In conclusion, therapy is a journey and not a quick fix. It is a long-term investment in our mental health and wellbeing that requires time, effort, and patience. It is a collaborative process between the therapist and the client that involves different therapeutic techniques and modalities tailored to the unique needs and preferences of each individual. 

If therapy becomes a quick fix, it can turn into unhealthy coping skills that provide temporary relief but do not address the root cause of the problems.